Cameron Watson of Adelaide is challenged by Emmanuel Muscat of the Phoenix. Photo: Getty Images

Adelaide climbed to third on the ladder, though Melbourne Victory can re-take that spot with a win or draw in Saturday night's derby against Melbourne Heart.

The Reds' form is compelling: losers just twice in their past dozen matches, they took command of Wellington from the outset at Coopers Stadium.

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Jeronimo's blast to open scoring was from the top shelf, the attacker cutting inside a Phoenix defender and, from a bouncing ball, cracking a thunderous 15-metre right-footer - the pure power gave Wellington keeper Glenn Moss no chance.

Six minutes later, Cirio was the beneficiary of slick build-up work from Ferreria.

After slicing through the defence, Ferreria's cut-back pass found the Spaniard unmarked five metres from goal and he duly converted.

Adelaide's dominance continued in a second half marred by serious injury to Wellington's Reece Caira, who suffered a suspected broken cheekbone when inadvertently struck by a Tarek Elrich elbow as they contested a header.

After Caira wobbled off, Adelaide rapidly added two goals - a swivelling Ferreria cleanly struck a first-timer from 10 metres to score in the 59th minute.

And three minutes later, Ferreria delivered a perfect cross to Jeronimo who slotted his second from close-range.

The Phoenix struck back in the 67th minute when Cunningham beat the keeper with a 15m shot but it was too little, too late for the visitors, who remain in seventh spot.